Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Lola Ashiru, has called on the Federal Government and state governments to prioritise economic empowerment and development of border communities as a strategic approach to strengthening national security and reducing crime.

Ashiru, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the call on Sunday while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, on a courtesy visit.

According to him, effective management and prosperity of border settlements would serve as a strong deterrent to criminal activities, noting that many security breaches thrive where communities feel neglected and impoverished.

“Our border links with neighbouring communities must be properly managed, and the first step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” Ashiru said. “Prosperity has a strong influence on people’s ability to resist aggression, whether verbal or physical.”

The senator explained that several border communities share cultural and social similarities across state lines, stressing the need for collaboration among neighbouring states. He cited communities such as Eruku in Kwara State, which borders Kogi State, and Erile, which shares boundaries with Osun State.

Ashiru described border and peripheral settlements as Nigeria’s first line of defence, adding that neglecting them could expose the country to internal collaboration with external aggressors.

“We should give special attention to these peripheral settlements because before internal aggression can happen, there must be collaboration from within. When people are satisfied with the system, the chances of supporting criminal activities become very low,” he noted.

He urged states sharing boundaries to adopt a coordinated development strategy by investing in the welfare and infrastructure of border communities, insisting that security cannot be achieved through force alone.

“Niger State should protect its territory by spreading prosperity, Kwara State should do the same, and Kogi State should also ensure prosperity along the Eruku and Koro axis. If this approach is adopted, cases of killings and insecurity will be drastically reduced,” Ashiru said.

The lawmaker also commended the people of Woro for their resilience and unity in the face of recent security challenges, while offering prayers for the repose of the souls of victims killed in Woro and Kaiama.

“We must not forget that many lives have been lost. I appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government in taking steps to safeguard the lives of our people,” he added.

Ashiru concluded by calling on governments, particularly at the state level, to adopt a stronger development-driven response to insecurity, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive growth and social stability.